Wind driven electric generator apparatus

ABSTRACT

A wind driven electric generator apparatus includes a pair of wind-driven, counter-rotating propeller units placed back to back with each other. A first power transmission system is connected to the pair of counter-rotating propeller units for converting wind energy into mechanical energy. A second power transmission system is connected to the first power transmission system. A generator is connected to the second power transmission system for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Propeller unit orientation means are supported by a first transmission housing for orienting the pair of counter-rotating propeller units with respect to wind that is sensed. Self-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment means are supported by the pair of counter-rotating propeller units for adjusting propeller blade angles in response to wind that is sensed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to wind driven electricgenerators or alternators, and, more particularly, to a wind drivenelectric generator apparatus especially adapted for adjusting theorientation of wind driven propeller blades to the wind.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A wind driven electric generator apparatus generally has a number ofcomponent subassemblies which include wind-energy-reception means,wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversion means, andmechanical-energy-to-electrical-energy conversion means. To go beyondthis basic wind driven electric generator apparatus, certainimprovements would be desirable.

For example, it would be desirable for a wind driven electric generatorapparatus to also include propeller unit orientation means. This isdesirable so that the speed of the propeller blades can be controlled sothat they do not turn too quickly or too slowly.

It would also be desirable if self-adjusting propeller blade angleadjustment means would be provided. This is desirable so that theoptimum effects of the wind can be taken advantage of.

Still other features would be desirable in a wind driven electricgenerator apparatus. For example, it would be desirable if a wind drivenelectric generator apparatus would be provided that includes a pair ofcounter-rotating propeller units. This is advantageous to extractoptimum energy from the wind.

Conventionally, an electric generator or alternator is constructed froma relatively small number of relatively large magnetic components. Incontrast, the present inventor discloses electric generators and thelike which include relatively large numbers of relatively small magnets.The present inventor has discovered that increased economies andefficiencies are obtained thereby.

Conventionally, an electric generator or alternator employs a singlerotating armature and a non-rotating or fixed stator. With a singlerotating armature and a non-rotating or fixed stator, the breaking ofthe magnetic lines of flux depends upon the speed of rotation of thesingle armature. To double the rate of breaking the magnetic lines offlux, it would be required to double the rate of rotation of thearmature. Doubling of the rate of rotation of the armature may not bepractical for a number of reasons, including wear and tear on bearings.Moreover, in the case of an electric generator that is powered by thewind, it may not be possible to have the wind increase to a sufficientrate to drive a single armature at a doubled rate. In view of the above,it would be desirable to provide an electric generator that can doublethe rate of the breaking of the magnetic lines of flux withoutincreasing the rate of rotation of a single rotating armature.

Although it is well known to use wind-powered machines to generateelectricity, the present invention provides a wind driven electricgenerator apparatus which has the following combination of desirablefeatures: (1) includes propeller unit orientation means; (2) providesself-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment means; (3) provides apair of counter-rotating propeller units; (4) discloses electricgenerators and the like which include relatively large numbers ofrelatively small magnets; and (5) provides an electric generator thatcan double the rate of the breaking of the magnetic lines of fluxwithout increasing the rate of rotation of a single rotating armature.The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique winddriven electric generator apparatus of the present invention as will bemade apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantagesof the present invention over the prior art also will be renderedevident.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention,briefly described, provides a wind driven electric generator apparatuswhich includes wind-energy-reception means for receiving wind energy,wherein the wind-energy-reception means include a pair ofcounter-rotating propeller units placed back to back with each other.Wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversion means are connected to thewind-energy-reception means for converting wind energy into mechanicalenergy. The wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversion means include afirst power transmission system connected to the pair ofcounter-rotating propeller units. A second power transmission system isconnected to the first power transmission system, and a firsttransmission housing is provided for housing the first powertransmission system. Mechanical-energy-to-electrical-energy conversionmeans are connected to the wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversionmeans for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Themechanical-energy-to-electrical-energy conversion means are connected tothe second power transmission system. Propeller unit orientation meansare supported by the first transmission housing for orienting the pairof counter-rotating propeller units with respect to wind that is sensed.Self-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment means are supported bythe pair of counter-rotating propeller units for adjusting propellerblade angles in response to wind that is sensed.

The pair of counter-rotating propeller units include first propellerblades, first intermediate gearing connected to the first propellerblades, and a first propeller shaft connected to the first intermediategearing. In addition, the pair of counter-rotating propeller units alsoinclude second propeller blades, second intermediate gearing connectedto the second propeller blades, and a second propeller shaft connectedto the second intermediate gearing.

The first intermediate gearing and the second intermediate gearing aresubstantially the same.

More specifically, the first power transmission system includes a firstpropeller-driven ring gear connected to the first propeller shaft, asecond propeller-driven ring gear connected to the second propellershaft, a first power shaft gear assembly connected to the firstpropeller-driven ring gear and the second propeller-driven ring gear,and a main power shaft which includes a first power shaft end and asecond power shaft end. The first power shaft end is connected to thefirst power shaft gear assembly. A shaft hub bearing is provided forreceiving ends of the first propeller shaft, the second propeller shaft,and the main power shaft. A second power shaft gear assembly isconnected to the second power shaft end, wherein the second power shaftgear assembly is connected to the second power transmission system.

The first power shaft gear assembly includes a first power shaft ringgear spaced apart from a second power shaft ring gear, and the firstpropeller-driven ring gear and the second propeller-driven ring gear areconnected between the first power shaft ring gear and the second powershaft ring gear.

The second power shaft gear assembly includes a third power shaft ringgear spaced apart from a fourth power shaft ring gear, and the secondpower transmission system includes a first transmission-driving ringgear connected between the third power shaft ring gear and the fourthpower shaft ring gear. A first transmission-driving shaft is connectedto the first transmission-driving ring gear, and a multi-speedtransmission is connected to the first transmission-driving shaft.

The first transmission housing includes a stationary first transmissionhousing portion, and a rotatable second transmission housing portion issupported by the stationary first transmission housing portion.

The stationary first transmission housing portion includes a stationarybase portion, and a stationary support column is supported by thestationary base portion.

The propeller unit orientation means are housed within the rotatablesecond transmission housing portion and are supported by the stationaryfirst transmission housing portion. The propeller unit orientation meansinclude

-   a stationary track-containing base member supported by the    stationary first transmission housing portion. The stationary    track-containing base member includes a peripheral circular track    portion. Track-supporting radial spoke portions are connected to the    peripheral circular track portion, and an inner base ring is    connected to the track-supporting radial spoke portions. A    through-channel is defined by the inner base ring, and the main    power shaft extends through the through-channel.

A rotatable ring member supports the rotatable second transmissionhousing portion. The rotatable ring member has a fixed connection withthe rotatable second transmission housing portion, and the rotatablering member includes an internal ring gear and a plurality oflock-pin-reception channels arrayed in a circular array in the rotatablering member. A set of track-reception rollers are supported by therotatable second transmission housing portion. The track-receptionrollers receive and support the peripheral circular track portion. Therotatable second transmission housing portion is supported by theperipheral circular track portion.

An electrically-operated lock unit is supported by the stationarytrack-containing base member. The electrically-operated lock unitincludes a solenoid portion and a lock pin portion controlled by thesolenoid portion. The lock pin portion is received in a selectedlock-pin-reception channel. An electrically-operated rotation drive unitis supported by the stationary track-containing base member. Theelectrically-operated rotation drive unit includes a rotational drivemotor supported by the stationary track-containing base member. Arotational drive shaft is connected to the rotational drive motor, and arotational drive gear is connected to the rotational drive shaft. Therotational drive gear engages the internal ring gear for rotating thefirst rotating propeller unit, the second rotating propeller unit, andthe rotatable second transmission housing portion around the stationaryfirst transmission housing portion.

Preferably, a reception-channel sensor assembly, supported by thestationary track-containing base member, is provided for sensing thelock-pin-reception channels in the rotatable ring member. Thereception-channel sensor assembly includes a sensor housing portion anda sensor probe portion extending outward from the sensor housing portiontoward the lock-pin-reception channel.

For each respective counter-rotating propeller unit, the self-adjustingpropeller blade angle adjustment means include respective intermediategearing connected to a respective propeller shaft. An intermediategearing housing is provided for housing the intermediate gearing. Theintermediate gearing housing is supported by the rotatable secondtransmission housing portion, and respective propeller blades areconnected to the intermediate gearing.

Preferably, the self-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment meansfurther include blade bearings connected to the intermediate gearinghousing for receiving propeller blade shafts. A blade angle rotationgear is connected to a proximal end of each propeller blade shaft. Apair of blade angle adjustment ring gears are housed in the intermediategearing housing for meshing with the blade angle rotation gearstherebetween the pair of blade angle adjustment ring gears. The bladeangle adjustment ring gears are supported by a ring gear support shaft,which is supported by ball bearings.

Bias force means are connected to the blade angle rotation gears forbiasing the blade angle rotation gears with respect to the blade angleadjustment ring gears, thereby controlling the blade angle rotationgears and the propeller blade angles of the propeller blades. The biasforce means include a wire spring.

The self-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment means furtherinclude propeller blade mounting blocks contained in the propellerblades. The propeller blade mounting blocks receive distal ends of thepropeller blade shafts, and the mounting bolts are provided for securingthe propeller blade shafts to the propeller blade mounting blocks. Jamlock pins are provided to lock respective propeller blade shafts to theblade angle rotation gears. Jam nuts are provided to apply pressure tothe jam lock pins.

Turbulence reducing winglets can be attached to respective end tips ofthe propeller blades.

A pair of weather stations can be mounted on front ends of the pair ofcounter-rotating propeller units. Each of the weather stations caninclude a station-mounting shaft which is connected to a hub portion ofa respective counter-rotating propeller unit.

The mechanical-energy-to-electrical-energy conversion means include anelectric generator.

The electric generator includes a generator housing, an armatureassembly support structure housed within the generator housing, and arotation/counter-rotation drive assembly supported by the armatureassembly support structure and connected to the second powertransmission system. A rotatable interior armature assembly is connectedto the rotation/counter-rotation drive assembly and is supported by thearmature assembly support structure. A counter-rotatable armatureassembly is spaced apart from and surrounds a portion of the rotatableinterior armature assembly. The counter-rotatable armature assembly issupported by the armature assembly support structure and is connected tothe rotation/counter-rotation drive assembly.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electricgenerator includes a generator housing, an armature assembly supportstructure housed within the generator housing, arotation/counter-rotation drive assembly supported by the armatureassembly support structure and connected to the second powertransmission system, a rotatable interior armature assembly connected tothe rotation/counter-rotation drive assembly and supported by thearmature assembly support structure, a counter-rotatable armatureassembly spaced apart from and surrounding a portion of the rotatableinterior armature assembly. The counter-rotatable armature assembly issupported by the armature assembly support structure and is connected tothe rotation/counter-rotation drive assembly.

The counter-rotatable armature assembly includes a counter armature rearwall and a counter armature front wall. The rotatable interior armatureassembly includes a interior armature front wall and a interior armaturerear wall. The counter armature front wall includes adrive-shaft-to-front-wall roller bearing. The interior armature frontwall and the interior armature rear wall include coolant flow-throughchannels.

A rotatable armature-to-armature bearing assembly is connected betweenthe rotatable interior armature assembly and the counter-rotatablearmature assembly. Preferably, the rotatable armature-to-armaturebearing assembly includes a plurality of rollers supported by thecounter armature rear wall. A roller-reception flange is supported bythe interior armature rear wall. The roller-reception flange receivesthe rollers, thereby permitting the counter-rotatable armature assemblyand the rotatable interior armature assembly to rotate simultaneously inopposite directions from each other. Such simultaneous rotation providesintensive breaking of magnetic lines of force to generate intensevoltages.

More specifically, the rotation/counter-rotation drive assembly includesa generator drive shaft connected to the second power transmissionsystem. The generator drive shaft is connected to the rotatable interiorarmature assembly for driving the rotatable interior armature assemblyin a first rotational direction. A generator sun gear is connected tothe generator drive shaft. A plurality of generator planetary gears areconnected to the generator sun gear. A generator ring gear encircles andis connected with the generator planetary gears, wherein the generatorring gear is in contact with a front wall of the counter-rotatablearmature assembly for driving the counter-rotatable armature assembly ina second rotational direction which is counter-rotational to the firstrotational direction.

Preferably, a fluid coolant system supported by the generator housing orthe armature assembly support structure for cooling thecounter-rotatable armature assembly and the rotatable interior armatureassembly. The fluid coolant system includes coolant spray nozzlessupported by the generator housing or by the armature assembly supportstructure. In addition, the fluid coolant system includes a radiator forcooling the coolant.

Preferably, the rotatable interior armature assembly includes a pole andcoil array which is surrounded by the counter-rotatable armatureassembly. An interior armature front wall and an interior armature rearwall support the pole and coil array. An inner tubular axle is supportedby the interior armature front wall. The inner tubular axle includeswire-reception channels for receiving wires from the pole and coilarray. The wires are connected to rotating electrical contacts which areconnected to the inner tubular axle.

The counter-rotatable armature assembly includes a peripheralcounter-rotatable armature assembly portion which jackets the outside ofthe pole and coil array. The counter-rotatable armature assembly alsoincludes a center counter-rotatable armature assembly portion whichextends into an interior portion of the pole and coil array.

More specifically, the peripheral counter-rotatable armature assemblyportion includes a counter armature front wall, a counter armature rearwall, and a plurality of peripheral outer shell segments sandwichedbetween the counter armature front wall and the counter armature rearwall. A plurality of outer-shell-to-outer-shell magnets areinterconnected between adjacent peripheral outer shell segments. Aplurality of peripheral inner shell segments are adjacent to theperipheral outer shell segments, and a plurality ofinner-shell-to-inner-shell magnets are interconnected between adjacentperipheral inner shell segments. A plurality ofouter-shell-to-inner-shell magnets are interconnected between adjacentperipheral outer shell segments and peripheral inner shell segments.

Preferably, the center counter-rotatable armature assembly portionincludes a plurality of center individual magnets. A plurality of centermagnet interconnector members are connected between the centerindividual magnets and a plurality of shell-to-shell magnets. Aplurality of center assembly shell segments are connected to theshell-to-shell magnets and a portion of the center individual magnets.The center individual magnets are arrayed in a plurality ofpositive-pole-to-negative-pole arrangements, and the center assemblyshell segments are arrayed in a positive-pole-to-negative-polearrangement around the array of the center individual magnets.

More specifically, the pole and coil array includes a plurality of poleand coil units. The pole and coil units are arrayed as opposing pairs ofpole and coil units.

Preferably, each pole and coil unit includes a top pole portion, awire-reception post extending downward from the top pole portion, abottom pole portion connected to the wire-reception post, and a quantityof wire coiled around the wire-reception post to form a wire coilmounted on the wire-reception post.

A continuous quantity of wire extends from each wire coil in each poleand coil unit through the inner tubular axle to rotating electricalcontacts connected to the inner tubular axle. Preferably, the rotatingelectrical contacts are in a form of electrical contact slipper rings.

The armature assembly support structure includes a roller bearing. Theperipheral counter-rotatable armature assembly portion includes arotatable bearing sleeve connected to the counter armature rear wall.The rotatable bearing sleeve is received in the roller bearing, and theinner tubular axle is received in the rotatable bearing sleeve.

The wire-reception post and the wire coil are substantially coextensivewith the top pole portion and the bottom pole portion so that the wirecoil is substantially coextensive with magnetic flux generated by theinner core magnet array.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a wind energyconversion apparatus includes wind-energy-reception means for receivingwind energy, wherein the wind-energy-reception means include a pair ofcounter-rotating propeller units placed back to back with each other.Wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversion means are connected to thewind-energy-reception means for converting wind energy into mechanicalenergy. The wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversion means include afirst power transmission system connected to the pair ofcounter-rotating propeller units, a second power transmission systemconnected to the first power transmission system, and a firsttransmission housing for housing the first power transmission system.Propeller unit orientation means are supported by the first transmissionhousing, for orienting the pair of counter-rotating propeller units withrespect to wind that is sensed. Self-adjusting propeller blade angleadjustment means are supported by the pair of counter-rotating propellerunits for adjusting propeller blade angles in response to wind that issensed.

The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more importantfeatures of the present invention in order that the detailed descriptionthereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that thepresent contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are,of course, additional features of the invention that will be describedhereinafter and which will be reflected in the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining a preferred embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limitedin its application to the details of the construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis fordesigning other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out theseveral purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore,that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructionsinsofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved wind driven electric generator apparatus which has all of theadvantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved wind driven electric generator apparatus which includespropeller unit orientation means.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved wind driven electric generator apparatus that providesself-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment means.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved wind driven electric generator apparatus which provides a pairof counter-rotating propeller units.

Even another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved wind driven electric generator apparatus that discloseselectric generators and the like which include relatively large numbersof relatively small magnets.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved wind driven electric generator apparatus which provides anelectric generator that can double the rate of the breaking of themagnetic lines of flux without increasing the rate of rotation of asingle rotating armature.

These together with still other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and the above objects as well asobjects other than those set forth above will become more apparent aftera study of the following detailed description thereof. Such descriptionmakes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a preferred embodiment of the wind drivenelectric generator apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the portion of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 1 that is contained in circled area 2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the portion of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 1 that is contained in circled area 3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of theembodiment of the wind driven electric generator apparatus shown in FIG.3 taken along line 4—4 thereof.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of theembodiment of the wind driven electric generator apparatus shown in FIG.3 taken along line 5—5 thereof.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the embodiment of thewind driven electric generator apparatus of FIG. 2 taken along line 6—6thereof.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the embodiment of thewind driven electric generator apparatus of FIG. 6 taken along line 7—7thereof.

FIG. 8 is a partial side view of another embodiment of the inventionwherein winglets are installed on the tips of propeller blades.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the portion of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 8, taken along line 9—9 thereof.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the portion of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 1 that is contained in circled area 10 of FIG.1.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 10, taken along line 11—11 wherein a portion of theelectric generator is shown.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 11, taken along line 12—12 wherein another portion of theelectric generator is shown.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the inventionwhich includes an armature assembly support structure, arotation/counter-rotation drive assembly, a rotatable interior armatureassembly, and a counter-rotatable armature assembly; wherein the centercounter-rotatable armature assembly portion of the counter-rotatablearmature assembly is omitted for purposes of brevity.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a rotatable interior armatureassembly which illustrates wiring connections and an inner tubular axle.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 10, taken along line 15—15 thereof.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective front view of the invention showingthe relationship between the rotatable interior armature assembly, thecounter-rotatable armature assembly, and the inner axle.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective rear view of the invention showingthe relationship between the peripheral counter-rotatable armatureassembly portion of the counter-rotatable armature assembly and therotatable interior armature assembly.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged front view of the interior armature front wall ofthe rotatable interior armature assembly.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged schematic front view of the centercounter-rotatable armature assembly portion of FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is perspective view of the center counter-rotatable armatureassembly portion shown in FIGS. 15 and 19, also showing the inner axleand fastener-reception channels.

FIG. 21 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the rotatableinterior armature assembly.

FIG. 22 is bottom view of one portion of the rotatable interior armatureassembly shown in FIG. 21, taken along line 22—22 thereof, whereincoiled wires extend along the center counter-rotatable armature assemblyportion (not shown) so that they are coextensive with the flux fieldgenerated by the magnets arrayed in the center counter-rotatablearmature assembly portion.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the rotatable interior armature assembly shownin FIG. 21, taken along line 23—23 thereof.

FIG. 24 is a partially exploded front view of the rotatable interiorarmature assembly of FIG. 23, taken along line 24–24 thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the drawings, a new and improved wind driven electricgenerator apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the presentinvention will be described.

Turning to FIGS. 1–24, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the winddriven electric generator apparatus of the invention generallydesignated by reference numeral 10. In the preferred embodiment, winddriven electric generator apparatus 10 includes wind-energy-receptionmeans for receiving wind energy, wherein the wind-energy-reception meansinclude a pair of counter-rotating propeller units placed back to backwith each other. Wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversion means areconnected to the wind-energy-reception means for converting wind energyinto mechanical energy. The wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversionmeans include a first power transmission system connected to the pair ofcounter-rotating propeller units. A second power transmission system isconnected to the first power transmission system, and a firsttransmission housing 42 is provided for housing the first powertransmission system, Mechanical-energy-to-electrical-energy conversionmeans are connected to the wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversionmeans for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Themechanical-energy-to-electrical-energy conversion means are connected tothe second power transmission system. Propeller unit orientation meansare supported by the first transmission housing 42 for orienting thepair of counter-rotating propeller units with respect to wind that issensed. Self-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment means aresupported by the pair of counter-rotating propeller units for adjustingpropeller blade angles in response to wind that is sensed.

The direction and the intensity of wind often change frequently. In thisrespect, the propeller unit orientation means and the self-adjustingpropeller blade angle adjustment means are provided for making sure thatthe apparatus takes optimum and real-time advantage of the real-timewind vector, whenever the direction and intensity of the wind changes.

The pair of counter-rotating propeller units include first propellerblades 18, first intermediate gearing connected to the first propellerblades 18, and a first propeller shaft 19 connected to the firstintermediate gearing. In addition, the pair of counter-rotatingpropeller units also include second propeller blades 22, secondintermediate gearing connected to the second propeller blades 22, and asecond propeller shaft 23 connected to the second intermediate gearing.

Preferably, each of the counter-rotating propeller units includes fourpropeller blades. The first intermediate gearing and the secondintermediate gearing are substantially the same.

As shown in FIGS. 2–5 more specifically, the first power transmissionsystem includes a first propeller-driven ring gear 20 connected to thefirst propeller shaft 19, a second propeller-driven ring gear 24connected to the second propeller shaft 23, a first power shaft gearassembly connected to the first propeller-driven ring gear and thesecond propeller-driven ring gear, and a main power shaft 30 whichincludes a first power shaft end 32 and a second power shaft end 34. Thefirst power shaft end 32 is connected to the first power shaft gearassembly. A shaft hub bearing 25 is provided for receiving ends of thefirst propeller shaft 19, the second propeller shaft 23, and the mainpower shaft 30. A second power shaft gear assembly is connected to thesecond power shaft end 34, wherein the second power shaft gear assemblyis connected to the second power transmission system.

The first power shaft gear assembly includes a first power shaft ringgear 48 spaced apart from a second power shaft ring gear 50, and thefirst propeller-driven ring gear 20 and the second propeller-driven ringgear 24 are connected between the first power shaft ring gear 48 and thesecond power shaft ring gear 50. The first propeller-driven ring gear20, the second propeller-driven ring gear 24, the first power shaft ringgear 48, and the second power shaft ring gear 50 can be bevel gears, asshown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 10, the second power shaft gear assembly includes athird power shaft ring gear 52 spaced apart from a fourth power shaftring gear 54, and the second power transmission system includes a firsttransmission-driving ring gear 56 connected between the third powershaft ring gear 52 and the fourth power shaft ring gear 54. A firsttransmission-driving shaft 58 is connected to the firsttransmission-driving ring gear 56, and a multi-speed transmission 26 isconnected to the first transmission-driving shaft 58.

The first transmission housing 42 includes a stationary firsttransmission housing portion, and a rotatable second transmissionhousing portion 62 is supported by the stationary first transmissionhousing portion.

The stationary first transmission housing portion includes a stationarybase portion 59, and a stationary support column 60 is supported by thestationary base portion 59.

The propeller unit orientation means are housed within the rotatablesecond transmission housing portion 62 and are supported by thestationary first transmission housing portion 60. The propeller unitorientation means include a stationary track-containing base member 64supported by the stationary first transmission housing portion 60. Thestationary track-containing base member 64 includes a peripheralcircular track portion 66. Track-supporting radial spoke portions 68 areconnected to the peripheral circular track portion 66, and an inner basering 67 is connected to the track-supporting radial spoke portions 68. Athrough-channel 70 is defined by the inner base ring 67, and the mainpower shaft 30 extends through the through-channel 70.

A rotatable ring member 72 supports the rotatable second transmissionhousing portion 62. The rotatable ring member 72 has a fixed connectionwith the rotatable second transmission housing portion 62, and therotatable ring member 72 includes an internal ring gear 76 and aplurality of lock-pin-reception channels 78 arrayed in a circular arrayin the rotatable ring member 72. A set of track-reception rollers 74 aresupported by the rotatable second transmission housing portion 62. Thetrack-reception rollers 74 receive and support the peripheral circulartrack portion 66. The rotatable second transmission housing portion 62is supported by the peripheral circular track portion 66.

An electrically-operated lock unit 80 is supported by the stationarytrack-containing base member 64. The electrically-operated lock unit 80includes a solenoid portion 82 and a lock pin portion 84 controlled bythe solenoid portion 82. The lock pin portion 84 is received in aselected lock-pin-reception channel 78. An electrically-operatedrotation drive unit 86 is supported by the stationary track-containingbase member 64. The electrically-operated rotation drive unit 86includes a rotational drive motor 88 supported by the stationarytrack-containing base member 64. A rotational drive shaft 90 isconnected to the rotational drive motor 88, and a rotational drive gear92 is connected to the rotational drive shaft 90. The rotational drivegear 92 engages the internal ring gear 76 for rotating the firstrotating propeller unit 14, the second rotating propeller unit 16, andthe rotatable second transmission housing portion 62 around thestationary first transmission housing portion 60.

In addition to the rotational drive motor 88, the rotational drive shaft90, and the rotational drive gear 92, idler (unpowered gears) may alsobe engaged with the internal ring gear 76 to provide stable and smoothoperation of the internal ring gear 76. More specifically, three idlergear assemblies can be employed. Each of the idler gear assembliesincludes a idler housing portion 93, an idler shaft 95 extending outfrom the idler housing portion 93, and an idler gear 97 attached to theidler shaft 95 and engaging the internal ring gear 76.

Preferably, a reception-channel sensor assembly 81, supported by thestationary track-containing base member 64, is provided for sensing thelock-pin-reception channels 78 in the rotatable ring member 72. Thereception-channel sensor assembly 81 includes a sensor housing portion83 and a sensor probe portion 85 extending outward from the sensorhousing portion 83 toward the lock-pin-reception channel 78. By sensingthe lock-pin-reception channels 78 with the reception-channel sensorassembly 81, the sensing information is sent to the remote computer (notshown), and the remote computer is able to determine the angularorientation of the counter-rotating propeller units.

To rotate the rotatable second transmission housing portion 62, thefirst rotating propeller unit 14, and the second rotating propeller unit16 around the stationary first transmission housing portion 60, theelectrically-operated lock unit 80 is actuated so that the lock pinportion 84 is retracted out from its associated lock-pin-receptionchannel 78 by the solenoid portion 82. To do so, a normally opensolenoid-operated switch 79 is closed, causing the solenoid portions 82of the electrically-operated lock units 80 and the rotational drivemotors 88 of the electrically-operated rotation drive units 86 tooperate. Then, the rotational drive motor 88 is operated to rotate therotational drive shaft 90 which rotates the rotational drive gear 92.Preferably, the rotational drive motor 88 is controlled by a remotecomputer.

As the rotational drive gear 92 is rotated, the rotational drive gear 92engages the internal ring gear 76 and rotates rotatable ring member 72,and the rotatable ring member 72 rotates the rotatable secondtransmission housing portion 62 such that the track-reception rollers 74roll along the peripheral circular track portion 66. Another way ofdescribing the action of the rotatable ring member 72 with respect tothe stationary track-containing base member 64 is that the rotationaldrive gear 92 causes the rotatable ring member 72 to “walk” around thestationary track-containing base member 64. As the rotatable secondtransmission housing portion 62 is rotated, the first rotating propellerunit 14 and the second rotating propeller unit 16 rotate around the mainpower shaft 30, whereby the first rotating propeller unit 14 and thesecond rotating propeller unit 16 are reoriented with respect to thedirection of the wind.

More specifically, the propeller unit orientation means are controlledto adjust the orientation of the pair of counter-rotating propellerunits so that the pair of counter-rotating propeller units will rotateat optimum speed. That is, if the propeller speed is too high, as sensedby a propeller rotation speed sensor 94, which is preferably an opticalsensor, which monitors the speed of a speedometer wheel 96, then theremote computer will control rotation of the pair of counter-rotatingpropeller units to reduce the speed of rotation of the pair ofcounter-rotating propeller units. Conversely, if the propeller speed istoo low, as indicated by the speedometer wheel 96 and as sensed by thepropeller rotation speed sensor 94, then the remote computer willcontrol rotation of the pair of counter-rotating propeller units toincrease the speed of rotation of the pair of counter-rotating propellerunits.

Once the first rotating propeller unit 14 and the second rotatingpropeller unit 16 have been reoriented with respect to the wind, thesolenoid portion 82 is deactuated, and the lock pin portion 84 returnsto another selected lock-pin-reception channel 78 in the rotatable ringmember 72. In this way, the first rotating propeller unit 14, the secondrotating propeller unit 16, and the rotatable second transmissionhousing portion 62 are locked into another selected rotational positionwith respect to the main power shaft 30. The orientation of the firstrotating propeller unit 14 and the second rotating propeller unit 16 iscontrolled so that the first propeller blades 18 and the secondpropeller blades 22 do not spin too rapidly.

As shown in FIGS. 6–7 more specifically, for each respectivecounter-rotating propeller unit, the self-adjusting propeller bladeangle adjustment means include respective intermediate gearing connectedto a respective propeller shaft. An intermediate gearing housing 98 isprovided for housing the intermediate gearing. The intermediate gearinghousing 98 is supported by the rotatable second transmission housingportion 62, and respective propeller blades are connected to theintermediate gearing.

Preferably, the self-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment meansfurther include blade bearings 100 connected to the intermediate gearinghousing 98 for receiving propeller blade shafts 102. A blade anglerotation gear 104 is connected to a proximal end of each propeller bladeshaft 102. A pair of blade angle adjustment ring gears 106 are housed inthe intermediate gearing housing 98 for meshing with the blade anglerotation gears 104 therebetween the pair of blade angle adjustment ringgears 106. The blade angle adjustment ring gears 106 are supported by aring gear support shaft 107, which is supported by ball bearings 109.

Bias force means are connected to the blade angle rotation gears 104 forbiasing the blade angle rotation gears 104 with respect to the bladeangle adjustment ring gears 106, thereby controlling the blade anglerotation gears 104 and the propeller blade angles of the propellerblades. The bias force means include a wire spring 108. Morespecifically, the wire spring 108 keeps the propeller blades in defaultblocking position. As the wind picks up, the propeller blades twistaround their longitudinal axes until the limit stop prevents furtherangular rotation of the propeller blades. In addition, alternatively,the bias force means can be in the form of a torsion bar.

The self-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment means furtherinclude propeller blade mounting blocks 110 contained in the propellerblades. The propeller blade mounting blocks 110 receive distal ends ofthe propeller blade shafts 102, and the mounting bolts 1.12 are providedfor securing the propeller blade shafts 102 to the propeller blademounting blocks 110. Jam lock pins 114 are provided to lock respectivepropeller blade shafts 102 to the blade angle rotation gears 104, whichstops angular rotation of the propeller blades and prevent propellerblade flutter. Jam nuts 116 are provided to apply pressure to the jamlock pins 114.

The operation of the self-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustmentmeans is as follows. As the wind picks up speed, it presses on thetrailing edges of the propeller blades, causing the propeller blades torotate against the bias pressure of the wire spring 108. If the windspeed is high enough, the propeller blades will change their propellerblade angles, making the propeller blades more efficient. Because thepropeller blade shafts 102 work together with their engagement with theblade angle adjustment ring gear 106, all of the propeller blades assumesubstantially the same alignment angles. The normal wind conditions forthe area, in which the counter-rotating propeller units are used,determine the thickness of the wire spring 108 and how easily thepropeller blade angles change.

Alternatively, there is a way to use a helicopter swash plate to changethe propeller blade angles under power, but such a way is more expensiveand complicated without additional benefits.

Each propeller blade has the same openings for the propeller bladeshafts 102. As a result, each propeller blade can be used as either afront rotating or a rear counter-rotating propeller blade just byreversing the orientation of the propeller blade in the respectivepropeller blade mounting block 110.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the propeller blades for rotation in a first rotatingpropeller unit 14. For rotation in the second rotating propeller unit16, the orientation of the propeller blades are reversed. To achievethis reversal, the jam nuts 116 are loosened, the blade angle rotationgears 104 are rotated outward, the propeller blade shafts 102 are pulledand rotated so that the jam lock pins 114 are placed into their newpositions, and the jam nuts 116 are retightened to apply pressure on thejam lock pins 114.

As shown in FIGS. 8–9, winglets 118 can be attached to respective endtips of the propeller blades. In this respect, the respective ends ofthe propeller blades include winglet-reception wells for receivingwinglet mounting brackets 120 for the winglets 118. The winglets 118 areairfoils that reduce turbulence at the tips of the propeller blades.

A pair of weather stations 40 can be mounted on front ends of the pairof counter-rotating propeller units. Each of the weather stations 40 caninclude a station-mounting shaft 41 which is connected to a hub portion43 of a respective counter-rotating propeller unit.

Each of the pair of weather stations 40 is preferably free-swing mountedon respective hub portions of the pair of counter-rotating propellerunits. Each of the weather stations 40 includes a station frame 47, andeach station frame 47 can support a small, wind driven electricgenerator which also acts as an anemometer 45. Also, the weatherstations 40 can support a wind direction sensor 49, such as a weathervane. Each of the pair of weather stations 40 can also include a lowerlong end box portion 44 which serves as a ballast weight orcounterweight to stabilize the respective weather station 40. The lowerlong end box portion 44 can house rechargeable batteries and atransmitter to transmit weather information to a remote computer in awireless manner. The transmitter has an antenna 46. The remote computerreads the weather information transmitted from the pair of weatherstations 40, and the remote computer includes software programming formaking decisions for controlling the multi-speed transmission and thepropeller unit orientation means.

Preferably, the mechanical-energy-to-electrical-energy conversion meansinclude an electric generator 28. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality ofmulti-speed transmissions 26 and electric generators 28 can be driven bythe apparatus of the invention.

The electric generator 28 includes a generator housing 123, an armatureassembly support structure 11 housed within the generator housing 123,and a rotation/counter-rotation drive assembly 125 supported by thearmature assembly support structure 11 and connected to the second powertransmission system. A rotatable interior armature assembly 121 isconnected to the rotation/counter-rotation drive assembly 125 and issupported by the armature assembly support structure 11. Acounter-rotatable armature assembly 136 is spaced apart from andsurrounds a portion of the rotatable interior armature assembly 121. Thecounter-rotatable armature assembly 136 is supported by the armatureassembly support structure 11 and is connected to therotation/counter-rotation drive assembly 125. Adrive-shaft-to-support-structure roller bearing 71 is provided betweenthe generator drive shaft 126 and the armature assembly supportstructure 11.

As shown in FIGS. 10–24, an electric generator 28 includes a generatorhousing 123, an armature assembly support structure 11 housed within thegenerator housing 123, a rotation/counter-rotation drive assembly 125supported by the armature assembly support structure 11 and connected tothe second power transmission system, a rotatable interior armatureassembly 121 connected to the rotation/counter-rotation drive assembly125 and supported by the armature assembly support structure 11, acounter-rotatable armature assembly 136 spaced apart from andsurrounding a portion of the rotatable interior armature assembly 121,wherein the counter-rotatable armature assembly 136 is supported by thearmature assembly support structure 11 and is connected to therotation/counter-rotation drive assembly 125.

The counter-rotatable armature assembly 136 includes a counter armaturerear wall 131 and a counter armature front wall 130. The rotatableinterior armature assembly 121 includes a interior armature front wall133 and a interior armature rear wall 134. The interior armature frontwall 133 and interior armature rear wall 134 are made from non-ferrousmetals or other non-ferromagnetic material. The counter armature frontwall 130 includes a drive-shaft-to-front-wall roller bearing 69.

The interior armature front wall 133 and the interior armature rear wall134 include coolant flow-through channels 37. The coolant flow-throughchannels 37 can have coolant scooping portions for scooping coolant forfacilitating the flow of coolant through the coolant flow-throughchannels 37.

A rotatable armature-to-armature bearing assembly is connected betweenthe rotatable interior armature assembly 121 and the counter-rotatablearmature assembly 136. Preferably, the rotatable armature-to-armaturebearing assembly includes a plurality of rollers 132 supported by thecounter armature rear wall 131. A roller-reception flange 135 issupported by the interior armature rear wall 134. The roller-receptionflange 135 receives the rollers 132, thereby permitting thecounter-rotatable armature assembly 136 and the rotatable interiorarmature assembly 121 to rotate simultaneously in opposite directionsfrom each other. Such simultaneous rotation provides intensive breakingof magnetic lines of force.

More specifically, the rotation/counter-rotation drive assembly 125includes a generator drive shaft 126 connected to the second powertransmission system. The generator drive shaft 126 is connected to therotatable interior armature assembly 121 for driving the rotatableinterior armature assembly 121 in a first rotational direction. Agenerator sun gear 127 is connected to the generator drive shaft 126. Aplurality of generator planetary gears 128 are connected to thegenerator sun gear 127. A generator ring gear 129 encircles and isconnected with the generator planetary gears 128, wherein the generatorring gear 129 is in contact with a front wall 130 of thecounter-rotatable armature assembly 136 for driving thecounter-rotatable armature assembly 136 in a second rotational directionwhich is counter-rotational to the first rotational direction.

Preferably, a fluid coolant system supported by the generator housing123 or the armature assembly support structure 11 for cooling thecounter-rotatable armature assembly 136 and the rotatable interiorarmature assembly 121. The fluid coolant system includes coolant spraynozzles 35 supported by the generator housing 123 or by the armatureassembly support structure 11. In addition, the fluid coolant systemincludes a radiator 111 for cooling the coolant.

More specifically, for cooling the rotatable interior armature assembly121 and counter-rotatable armature assembly 136, coolant is sprayed fromthe coolant spray nozzles 35 and flows over the rotatable interiorarmature assembly 121 and the counter-rotatable armature assembly 136.Also, coolant flows through the coolant flow-through channels 37 andcontacts the inner core magnet array 12.

Preferably, the rotatable interior armature assembly 121 includes a poleand coil array 13 which is surrounded by the counter-rotatable armatureassembly 136. An interior armature front wall 133 and an interiorarmature rear wall 134 support the pole and coil array 13. An innertubular axle 15 is supported by the interior armature front wall 133.The inner tubular axle 15 includes wire-reception channels 75 forreceiving wires 73 from the pole and coil array 13. The wires 73 areconnected to rotating electrical contacts which are connected to theinner tubular axle 15. The inner tubular axle 15 is connected to theinside surface of the interior armature front wall 133 by an axlereception bracket 39 which is connected to the interior armature frontwall 133 by fasteners, such as screws or bolts.

The counter-rotatable armature assembly 136 includes a peripheralcounter-rotatable armature assembly portion 122 which jackets theoutside of the pole and coil array 13. The counter-rotatable armatureassembly 136 also includes a center counter-rotatable armature assemblyportion 12 which extends into an interior portion of the pole and coilarray 13.

More specifically, the peripheral counter-rotatable armature assemblyportion 122 includes a counter armature front wall 130, a counterarmature rear wall 131, and a plurality of peripheral outer shellsegments 65 sandwiched between the counter armature front wall 130 andthe counter armature rear wall 131. A plurality ofouter-shell-to-outer-shell magnets 87 are interconnected betweenadjacent peripheral outer shell segments 65. A plurality of peripheralinner shell segments 77 are adjacent to the peripheral outer shellsegments 65, and a plurality of inner-shell-to-inner-shell magnets 89are interconnected between adjacent peripheral inner shell segments 77.A plurality of outer-shell-to-inner-shell magnets 91 are interconnectedbetween adjacent peripheral outer shell segments 65 and peripheral innershell segments 77.

Preferably, the center counter-rotatable armature assembly portion 12includes a plurality of center individual magnets 55. A plurality ofcenter magnet interconnector members 57 are connected between the centerindividual magnets 55 and a plurality of shell-to-shell magnets 61. Aplurality of center assembly shell segments 63 are connected to theshell-to-shell magnets 61 and a portion of the center individual magnets55. The center individual magnets 55 are arrayed in a plurality ofpositive-pole-to-negative-pole arrangements, and the center assemblyshell segments 63 are arrayed in a positive-pole-to-negative-polearrangement around the array of the center individual magnets 55.

The arrangement of the center individual magnets 55 to each other andthe arrangement of the center assembly shell segments 63 to each otherand to the center individual magnets 55 provide for intense magneticfields in and around the rotatable interior armature assembly 121,causing a substantial voltage to be generated in the wire coils 33 andconducted through the wires 73 to the electrical contact slipper rings51, to the conductive pickups 99, and to the conductors 101 feeding intoan electrical grid or an electrical device electrically connected to theconductors 101.

The center counter-rotatable armature assembly portion 12 is connectedto the interior armature rear wall 134 with fasteners 103. Morespecifically, the fasteners 103 extend through the counter armature rearwall 131 into the center assembly shell segments 63.

Principles of using the inner individual magnets 55, the inner magnetinterconnector members 57, the shell-to-shell magnets 61, the centerassembly shell segments 63, the peripheral outer shell segments 65, theouter-shell-to-outer-shell magnets 87, the peripheral inner shellsegments 77, the inner-shell-to-inner-shell magnets 89, and theouter-shell-to-inner-shell magnets 91 are set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,879,549 and 6,426,000 by the present inventor, and U.S. Pat. Nos.5,879,549 and 6,426,000 are hereby incorporated herein by reference, fortheir disclosure of magnet arrays employing a plurality of cylindricalmagnet units 35.

Also, preferably, the inner individual magnets 55, the shell-to-shellmagnets 61, the outer-shell-to-outer-shell magnets 87, theinner-shell-to-inner-shell magnets 89, and theouter-shell-to-inner-shell magnets 91 are cylindrical magnets such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,879,549 and 6,426,000.

In the drawing Figures for the present invention, respective positive(+) and negative (−) magnetic polarities are shown on the variouscylindrical magnets, the various center assembly shell segments 63, thevarious peripheral outer shell segments 65, and the various peripheralinner shell segments 77, in accordance with the principles disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,879,549 and 6,426,000.

More specifically, the pole and coil array 13 includes a plurality ofpole and coil units 17. The pole and coil units 17 are arrayed asopposing pairs of pole and coil units 17. In the drawings, there are twopairs of opposed pole and coil units 17 for a total of four pole andcoil units 17. It is also contemplated that one pair of pole and coilunits 17, three pairs of pole and coil units 17, and four or more pairsof pole and coil units 17 can be employed.

Preferably, each pole and coil unit 17 includes a top pole portion 27, awire-reception post 29 extending downward from the top pole portion 27,a bottom pole portion 31 connected to the wire-reception post 29, and aquantity of wire coiled around the wire-reception post 29 to form a wirecoil 33 mounted on the wire-reception post 29.

A continuous quantity of wire extends from each wire coil 33 in eachpole and coil unit 17 through the inner tubular axle 15 to rotatingelectrical contacts connected to the inner tubular axle 15. Preferably,the rotating electrical contacts are in a form of electrical contactslipper rings 51. The electrical contact slipper rings 51 are inelectrical contact with conductive pickups or brushes 99 which areelectrically connected to conductors 101 which can be connected to anelectrical power grid or to a single device that is powered byelectrical power.

The armature assembly support structure 11 includes a roller bearing 53.The peripheral counter-rotatable armature assembly portion 122 includesa rotatable bearing sleeve 105 connected to the counter armature rearwall 131. The rotatable bearing sleeve 105 is received in the rollerbearing 53, and the inner tubular axle 15 is received in the rotatablebearing sleeve 105. The rotatable bearing sleeve 105 can be connected tothe counter armature rear wall 131 with the same fasteners 103 that areused to connect the center counter-rotatable armature assembly portion12 to the counter armature rear wall 131.

The wire-reception post 29 and the wire coil 33 are substantiallycoextensive with the top pole portion 27 and the bottom pole portion 31so that the wire coil 33 is substantially coextensive with magnetic fluxgenerated by the inner core magnet array 12.

By the arrangement of the armature assembly support structure 11, thedrive-shaft-to-front-wall roller bearing 69, the roller bearing 53, theouter diameter of the rotatable interior armature assembly 121, and theouter diameter of the counter-rotatable armature assembly 136, therotatable interior armature assembly 121 and the counter-rotatablearmature assembly 136 are freely rotatable independently of each otherand without touching or interfering with each other.

The electric generator can be either a DC electric generator or an ACelectric generator, such as an alternator. Hence, the term “generator”as used herein and in the annexed claims is to be construed broadly toencompass either a generator or an alternator. The electric generatorcan be hooked up to an electrical grid. If desired, the electricgenerator can be used to drive a liquid cooled DC motor apparatus, bythe present inventor, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,838,799,incorporated herein by reference.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a wind energyconversion apparatus is comprised of wind-energy-reception means forreceiving wind energy, wherein the wind-energy-reception means include apair of counter-rotating propeller units placed back to back with eachother, wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversion means, connected tothe wind-energy-reception means, for converting wind energy intomechanical energy, wherein the wind-energy-to-mechanical-energyconversion means include a first power transmission system connected tothe pair of counter-rotating propeller units, a second powertransmission system connected to the first power transmission system,and a first transmission housing 42 for housing the first powertransmission system, propeller unit orientation means, supported by thefirst transmission housing 42, for orienting the pair ofcounter-rotating propeller units with respect to wind that is sensed,and self-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment means, supported bythe pair of counter-rotating propeller units, for adjusting propellerblade angles in response to wind that is sensed.

The components of the wind driven electric generator apparatus of theinvention can be made from inexpensive and durable metal and plasticmaterials and electrical and magnetic components.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, thesame is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, no furtherdiscussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need beprovided.

It is apparent from the above that the present invention accomplishesall of the objects set forth by providing a new and improved wind drivenelectric generator apparatus that is low in cost, relatively simple indesign and operation, and which may advantageously be used to includepropeller unit orientation means. With the invention, an apparatusprovides self-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment means. With theinvention, an apparatus provides a pair of counter-rotating propellerunits. With the invention, an apparatus is provided which discloseselectric generators and the like which include relatively large numbersof relatively small magnets. With the invention, an apparatus providesan electric generator that can double the rate of the breaking of themagnetic lines of flux without increasing the rate of rotation of asingle rotating armature.

Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings andfully described above with particularity and detail in connection withwhat is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferredembodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made withoutdeparting from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including,but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, functionand manner of operation, assembly and use.

Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determinedonly by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as toencompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalentto those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.

Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the annexed Abstractis to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the publicgenerally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners inthe art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology,to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence ofthe technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstractis neither intended to define the invention or the application, whichonly is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as tothe scope of the invention in any way.

1. A wind driven electric generator apparatus, comprising:wind-energy-reception means for receiving wind energy, wherein saidwind-energy-reception means include a pair of counter-rotating propellerunits placed back to back with each other,wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversion means, connected to saidwind-energy-reception means, for converting wind energy into mechanicalenergy, wherein said wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversion meansinclude a first power transmission system connected to said pair ofcounter-rotating propeller units, a second power transmission systemconnected to said first power transmission system, and a firsttransmission housing for housing said first power transmission system,mechanical-energy-to-electrical-energy conversion means, connected tosaid wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversion means, for convertingmechanical energy into electrical energy, wherein saidmechanical-energy-to-electrical-energy conversion means are connected tosaid second power transmission system, propeller unit orientation means,supported by said first transmission housing, for orienting said pair ofcounter-rotating propeller units with respect to wind that is sensed,and self-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment means, supported bysaid pair of counter-rotating propeller units, for adjusting propellerblade angles in response to wind that is sensed.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein: said pair of counter-rotating propeller units includefirst propeller blades, first intermediate gearing connected to saidfirst propeller blades, and a first propeller shaft connected to saidfirst intermediate gearing, and include a second propeller blades,second intermediate gearing connected to said second propeller blades,and a second propeller shaft connected to said second intermediategearing.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first intermediategearing and said second intermediate gearing are substantially the same.4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first power transmission systemincludes: a first propeller-driven ring gear connected to said firstpropeller shaft, a second propeller-driven ring gear connected to saidsecond propeller shaft, a first power shaft gear assembly connected tosaid first propeller-driven ring gear and said second propeller-drivenring gear, a main power shaft which includes a first power shaft end anda second power shaft end, wherein said first power shaft end isconnected to said first power shaft gear assembly, a shaft hub bearingfor receiving ends of said first propeller shaft, said second propellershaft, and said main power shaft, a second power shaft gear assemblyconnected to said second power shaft end, wherein said second powershaft gear assembly is connected to said second power transmissionsystem.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein: said first power shaft gearassembly includes a first power shaft ring gear spaced apart from asecond power shaft ring gear, and said first propeller-driven ring gearand said second propeller-driven ring gear are connected between saidfirst power shaft ring gear and said second power shaft ring gear. 6.The apparatus of claim 5 wherein: said second power shaft gear assemblyincludes a third power shaft ring gear spaced apart from a fourth powershaft ring gear, and said second power transmission system includes afirst transmission-driving ring gear connected between said third powershaft ring gear and said fourth power shaft ring gear, a firsttransmission-driving shaft connected to said first transmission-drivingring gear, and a multi-speed transmission connected to said firsttransmission-driving shaft.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidfirst transmission housing includes: a stationary first transmissionhousing portion, and a rotatable second transmission housing portionsupported by said stationary first transmission housing portion.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7 wherein said stationary first transmission housingportion includes: a stationary base portion, and a stationary supportcolumn supported by said stationary base portion.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein said propeller unit orientation means are housed withinsaid rotatable second transmission housing portion and are supported bysaid stationary first transmission housing portion, wherein saidpropeller unit orientation means include: a stationary track-containingbase member supported by said stationary first transmission housingportion, wherein said stationary track-containing base member includes aperipheral circular track portion, track-supporting radial spokeportions connected to said peripheral circular track portion, an innerbase ring connected to said track-supporting radial spoke portions, anda through-channel defined by said inner base ring, wherein said mainpower shaft extends through said through-channel, a rotatable ringmember which supports said rotatable second transmission housingportion, wherein said rotatable ring member has a fixed connection withsaid rotatable second transmission housing portion, wherein saidrotatable ring member includes an internal ring gear and a plurality oflock-pin-reception channels arrayed in a circular array in saidrotatable ring member, a set of track-reception rollers supported bysaid rotatable second transmission housing portion, wherein saidtrack-reception rollers receive and support said peripheral circulartrack portion, whereby said rotatable second transmission housingportion is supported by said peripheral circular track portion, anelectrically-operated lock unit supported by said stationarytrack-containing base member, wherein said electrically-operated lockunit includes a solenoid portion and a lock pin portion controlled bysaid solenoid portion, wherein said lock pin portion is received in aselected lock-pin-reception channel, an electrically-operated rotationdrive unit supported by said stationary track-containing base member,wherein said electrically-operated rotation drive unit includes arotational drive motor supported by said stationary track-containingbase member, a rotational drive shaft connected to said rotational drivemotor, and a rotational drive gear connected to said rotational driveshaft, wherein said rotational drive gear engages said internal ringgear for rotating said first rotating propeller unit, said secondrotating propeller unit, and said rotatable second transmission housingportion around said stationary first transmission housing portion. 10.The apparatus of claim 9, further including: a reception-channel sensorassembly, supported by said stationary track-containing base member, forsensing said lock-pin-reception channels in said rotatable ring member.11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said reception-channel sensorassembly includes a sensor housing portion and a sensor probe portionextending outward from said sensor housing portion toward saidlock-pin-reception channel.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein, foreach respective counter-rotating propeller unit, said self-adjustingpropeller blade angle adjustment means include: respective intermediategearing connected to a respective propeller shaft, an intermediategearing housing for housing said intermediate gearing, wherein saidintermediate gearing housing is supported by said rotatable secondtransmission housing portion, and respective propeller blades connectedto said intermediate gearing.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein saidself-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment means further include:blade bearings connected to said intermediate gearing housing forreceiving propeller blade shafts, a blade angle rotation gear connectedto a proximal end of each propeller blade shaft, a pair of blade angleadjustment ring gears housed in said intermediate gearing housing formeshing with said blade angle rotation gears therebetween said pair ofblade angle adjustment ring gears, wherein said blade angle adjustmentring gears are supported by a ring gear support shaft, which issupported by ball bearings, bias force means connected to said bladeangle rotation gears for biasing said blade angle rotation gears withrespect to said blade angle adjustment ring gears, thereby controllingsaid blade angle rotation gears and the propeller blade angles of saidpropeller blades.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said bias forcemeans include a wire spring.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein saidself-adjusting propeller blade angle adjustment means further include:propeller blade mounting blocks contained in said propeller blades,wherein said propeller blade mounting blocks received distal ends ofsaid propeller blade shafts, and mounting bolts for securing saidpropeller blade shafts to said propeller blade mounting blocks, jam lockpins which lock respective propeller blade shafts to said blade anglerotation gears, and jam nuts that apply pressure to said jam lock pins.16. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: winglets attached torespective end tips of said propeller blades.
 17. The apparatus of claim1, further including: a pair of weather stations mounted on front endsof said pair of counter-rotating propeller units.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein each of said weather stations includes astation-mounting shaft which is connected to a hub portion of arespective counter-rotating propeller unit.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said mechanical-energy-to-electrical-energy conversion meansincludes an electric generator.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 whereinsaid electric generator includes: a generator housing, an armatureassembly support structure housed within said generator housing, arotation/counter-rotation drive assembly supported by said armatureassembly support structure and connected to said second powertransmission system, a rotatable interior armature assembly connected tosaid rotation/counter-rotation drive assembly and supported by saidarmature assembly support structure, and a counter-rotatable armatureassembly spaced apart from and surrounding a portion of said rotatableinterior armature assembly, wherein said counter-rotatable armatureassembly is supported by said armature assembly support structure and isconnected to said rotation/counter-rotation drive assembly.
 21. A windenergy conversion apparatus, comprising: wind-energy-reception means forreceiving wind energy, wherein said wind-energy-reception means includea pair of counter-rotating propeller units placed back to back with eachother, wind-energy-to-mechanical-energy conversion means, connected tosaid wind-energy-reception means, for converting wind energy intomechanical energy, wherein said wind-energy-to-mechanical-energyconversion means include a first power transmission system connected tosaid pair of counter-rotating propeller units, a second powertransmission system connected to said first power transmission system,and a first transmission housing for housing said first powertransmission system, propeller unit orientation means, supported by saidfirst transmission housing, for orienting said pair of counter-rotatingpropeller units with respect to wind that is sensed, and self-adjustingpropeller blade angle adjustment means, supported by said pair ofcounter-rotating propeller units, for adjusting propeller blade anglesin response to wind that is sensed.